The Trump administration announced a plan Thursday to dramatically cut back immigrants' ability to request asylum in the USA, a direct challenge to federal law and international conventions that the president said is necessary to stop an immigrant caravan slowly making its way to the U.S.-Mexican border.

Immigrants are allowed to request asylum whether they present themselves at ports of entry or sidestep those ports and illegally enter the country. The rules proposed by the administration would bar those who enter illegally from making an asylum claim and place them into expedited deportation proceedings instead, according to a posting by the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security on the Federal Register late Thursday.

President Donald Trump hinted at such a change in the weeks leading up to Tuesday's midterm elections as part of a broader strategy in which he focused almost exclusively on immigration in an effort to rile up the GOP base. During a news conference four days before the midterm elections, he said there was "rampant abuse" of the nation's asylum system, which saw an increase in claims from 5,000 in 2008 to 97,000 in 2018, mostly fueled by Central Americans fleeing violence and poverty in their home countries.

“Our asylum system is overwhelmed with too many meritless asylum claims from aliens who place a tremendous burden on our resources, preventing us from being able to expeditiously grant asylum to those who truly deserve it,” Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker said in a joint statement. “Today, we are using the authority granted to us by Congress to bar aliens who violate (the new rules).”

Lee Gelernt, an American Civil Liberties Union attorney who led the lawsuit that forced the Trump administration to reunite more than 2,500 immigrant children separated from their parents this summer, said the proposed asylum changes are dubious.

“The administration’s plan to categorically deny asylum to those who enter between ports of entry is patently unlawful and inconsistent with our nation’s commitment to providing a safe haven to those in danger,” Gelernt said Thursday. “There will be lawsuits.”

CLOSE

Migrant caravans winding their way toward the U.S. are reigniting rhetoric and arguments about immigration and border security. And it's not the first time.
USA TODAY

Several groups have already filed lawsuits in California and the District of Columbia challenging the administration’s actions to limit asylum. Thursday’s announcement will add to the litigation, which could be decided by a Supreme Court that includes two Trump appointees.

Asylum is a form of protection granted to people who fear persecution in their home countries based on their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or their political opinion. From 2000 to 2016, the United States granted asylum to an average of 26,651 foreigners a year, according to Department of Homeland Security data.

The 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act states that any foreigner who arrives in the USA, "whether or not at a designated port of arrival," may apply for asylum. A United Nations treaty signed in 1951 by the United States says "refugees should not be penalized for their illegal entry" because extreme situations sometimes "require refugees to breach immigration rules."

To override those rules, the administration used a rationale similar to its argument for its controversial travel ban targeting majority-Muslim countries. U.S. law allows a president to sign a proclamation suspending entry to people who are deemed "detrimental to the interests of the United States." Trump is likely to sign a presidential proclamation as early as Friday outlining the asylum restrictions, which would kick-start the new rules.

As the number of immigrants requesting asylum along the southern border increased in recent years, thousands have had to wait on the Mexican side of the border, sometimes sleeping on bridges and streets, to plead their case. The Mexican government, working with nongovernmental organizations and volunteer groups, created a system by which applicants are signed up and allowed to enter U.S. ports of entry in order.

Those long waits, after even longer journeys to reach the U.S. border, often drive immigrants to enter the country illegally and request asylum that way. When the last caravan reached the USA in April, 401 presented themselves at ports of entry, as the administration has urged them to do, but 122 quit waiting and entered the country illegally to request asylum, according to data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Posted!

A link has been posted to your Facebook feed.

A Honduran migrant heading to the United States with a second caravan, rests during a stop in the journey in Tapachula, Chiapas state, southern Mexico on Jan. 19, 2019. Hundreds of Central Americans entered Mexico illegally as the latest migrant caravan trying to reach the United States began crossing the Mexican-Guatemalan border en masse Friday. Alejandro Melendez, AFP/Getty Images

epa07301224 Central American migrants sleep at the entrance of the border office between Guatemala and Mexico in Tecun Uman, Guatemala, 19 January 2019. Hundreds of Central American migrants entered Mexico illegally and began their route to US on Saturday in the state of Chiapas, in southeastern Mexico, from Tapachula to Huixtla, at a distance of about 40 kilometers. EPA-EFE/Esteban Biba ORG XMIT: AME9641 Esteban Biba, EPA

A Honduran man, part of a caravan of Central American migrants, washes his clothes in the Suchiate river, which marks the Guatemala-Mexico border, on Jan. 19, 2019 in Tecun Uman, Guatemala. Although most of the caravan migrants say they want to reach the United States, Mexico is offering humanitarian visas to those migrants, if they register with proper documentation. The visas would allow them to work and live in Mexico for one year. Mario Tama, Getty Images

A boy looks at US border patrol guards through the US-Mexico border fence, in Tijuana, in Baja California State, Mexico, on Jan. 18, 2019. A new caravan of Central American migrants trying to reach the United States made its way across Guatemala Thursday, with the first members crossing into southern Mexico. Guillermo Arias, AFP/Getty Images

A Honduran migrant using a t-shirt to protect himself from the sun waits for his identification to be checked at an immigration checkpoint in Tecun Uman, Guatemala, near the border with Mexico, Jan. 17, 2019. Hundreds of Honduran migrants are part of a new caravan seeking to reach the United States. Moises Castillo/AP

Honduran migrants from the new 'migrant caravan' climb onto the back of a truck that will drive them toward the Mexican border on Jan.17, 2019 in Guatemala City, Guatemala. A local business owner donated two trucks for migrants, saying he did so for 'the love of God'. More than one thousand Hondurans have set off toward the United States on foot or in vehicles in recent days. Mario Tama/Getty Images

Honduras migrants climb over the fence into Mexico, at the border between Mexico and Guatemala near Ciudad Hidalgo, Chiapas State, Mexico, on Jan. 18,2019. Hundreds of Central American migrants are walking and hitchhiking through the region as part of a new caravan of migrants hoping to reach the United States. Marco Ugarte/AP

Central American migrants, part of a new 'migrant caravan', are given food by a Mexican immigration official after crossing a border bridge between Guatemala and Mexico to register at an immigration facility in Ciudad Hidalgo, Mexico. Mario Tama/Getty Images

Honduran citizens do immigration procedures at the customs office in Agua Caliente border between Honduras and Guatemala, on Jan. 15, 2019. Honduras authorities enforce the migrant control to avoid the passage of more than 1000 Hondurans trying to leave the country to arrive to Mexico and US, without all requirements. Gustavo Amador/EPA

Honduran migrants heading to the United States with a second caravan walk after breaking through a police cordon in Agua Caliente, in the Honduras-Guatemala border on Jan. 15, 2019. ORLANDO SIERRA/AFP/Getty Images

Children play with balloons in front of Federal Police outside an empty warehouse used as a shelter set up for migrants in downtown Tijuana, Mexico, Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019. Authorities ordered the shelter to be closed due to sanitary conditions. Discouraged by the long wait to apply for asylum through official ports of entry, many migrants from recent caravans are choosing to cross the U.S. border wall and hand themselves in to border patrol agents. Daniel Ochoa de Olza, AP

A migrant from Honduras rests on top of his belongings inside an empty warehouse used as a shelter set up for migrants in downtown Tijuana, before been relocated to other shelters in Tijuana, Mexico, Friday, Jan. 4, 2019. Daniel Ochoa de Olza, AP

Federal Police officers stand guard at the entrance of a warehouse which was being used as a temporary shelter by Central American migrants wanting to reach the United States, in downtown Tijuana, Baja California State, Mexico, on Jan. 5, 2019. After a day long standoff with Federal Police, dozens of migrants who are to be relocated finally left the warehouse which authorities ordered to be closed due to sanitary conditions. GUILLERMO ARIAS, AFP/Getty Images

A migrant from Honduras holds a U.S. flag inside an empty warehouse used as a shelter set up for migrants in downtown Tijuana, before been relocated to other shelters in Tijuana, Mexico, Friday, Jan. 4, 2019. Daniel Ochoa de Olza, AP

A migrant from Honduras pass a child to her father after he jumped the border fence to get into the U.S. side to San Diego, Calif., from Tijuana, Mexico, Thursday, Jan. 3, 2019. Daniel Ochoa de Olza, AP

Father Christopher Williams, left, says a blessing in the church hall of the Basilica of San Albino with a group of about 20 Central American migrants who were released by Immigration and Customs Enforcement that day in Mesilla, New Mexico on Jan. 2, 2019. About 20 migrants were hosted by the church for a night before they would depart to their families in different parts of the United States. San Albino is taking part in a program called "Project Oak Tree" which provides hospitality to migrants the day they are released by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Without such shelters like this and those run by Annunciation house in El Paso, they would be left at a Greyhound Station in downtown El Paso, with no food, shelter or means of communication with their families. Paul Ratje, AFP/Getty Images

Ovidio Lopez Tum, left, 53, and his daughter Ingrid Maribel, 12, pack up their belongings for their trip the following day, at the church hall of the Basilica of San Albino in Mesilla, New Mexico on Jan. 2, 2019. Paul Ratje, AFP/Getty Images

Migrants look trough a hole on the fence as they are looking for a place to jump the border fence to get into the U.S. side to San Diego, Calif., from Tijuana, Mexico, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018. Discouraged by the long wait to apply for asylum through official ports of entry, many migrants from recent caravans are choosing to cross the U.S. border wall and hand themselves in to border patrol agents. Daniel Ochoa de Olza, AP

A Border Patrol officer holds a baby as he helps a migrant to go down after they jump the border fence to get into the U.S. side to San Diego, Calif., from Tijuana, Mexico, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018. Daniel Ochoa de Olza, AP

Children traveling with the Central American migrants that hope to reach the United States, play at the beach next to the US-Mexico border fence in Playas de Tijuana, Baja California State, Mexico, on Dec. 29, 2018. El Salvador insisted Saturday that it is taking steps to curb illegal migration to the United States, fending off criticism from President Donald Trump, a day after he threatened to cut off aid to nations in Central America's Northern Triangle, Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador. Guillermo Arias, AFP/Getty Images

A girl from Salvador, part of the Central American migrants hoping to reach the United States, looks through the US-Mexico border fence in Playas de Tijuana, Baja California State, Mexico, on Dec. 29, 2018. Guillermo Arias, AFP/Getty Images

A pregnant migrant climbs the border fence before jumping into the U.S. to San Diego, Calif., from Tijuana, Mexico, Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018. Discouraged by the long wait to apply for asylum through official ports of entry, many Central American migrants from recent caravans are choosing to cross the U.S. border wall and hand themselves into border patrol agents. Daniel Ochoa de Olza, AP

A family of asylum-seekers are taken into custody by U.S. Border Patrol agents after they crossed the U.S. border wall into San Diego, as seen from Tijuana, Mexico, Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018. Daniel Ochoa de Olza, AP

Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE ) dropped off over 100 migrants mostly from Guatemala at Phoenix Greyhound bus station. Roberto Ramirez, 6, was in ICE custody with his father Gaspa Ramirez claims that treatment by officers was bad and children were getting sick because of cold weather. Nick Oza, Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Network

Magdelena, a Guatemalan migrant, feeds her toddler son at Holy Cross Retreat Center, which has become a makeshift shelter for migrants released by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in Las Cruces, New Mexico, on Dec. 27, 2018. She was part of a group of 1,300 people unexpectedly released by ICE over the Christmas holidays. Shelters in El Paso, inundated with migrants, have coordinated with Las Cruces Shelters to house migrants the day they are released from ICE custody. Paul Ratje, AFP/Getty Images

A Central American migrant stands on the US-Mexico border fence as some try to cross from Tijuana in Mexico to San Diego County in the US, as seen from Tijuana, Baja California State, Mexico, on Dec. 27, 2018. America's border security head warned Wednesday officials were overwhelmed by the "enormous flow" of families crossing from Mexico, appealing for federal health care funding after the second child in a month died in custody. Guillermo Arias, AFP/Getty Images

Central American migrants hesitate as others climb the Mexico-U.S. border fence in an attempt to cross to San Diego from Playas de Tijuana, Baja California state, Mexico on Dec.12, 2018. GUILLERMO ARIAS, AFP/Getty Images

A Honduran migrant, followed by her daughter, squeezes through a gap in the border wall near Tijuana, Mexico on Dec. 9, 2018. Discouraged by the long wait to apply for asylum through official ports of entry, many Central American migrants from recent caravans are choosing to cross the U.S. border wall illegally and hand themselves in to Border Patrol agents to request asylum. REBECCA BLACKWELL, AP

U.S. Border Patrol agents make arrests during a pro-migration protest by members of various faith groups showing support for Central American asylum-seekers in San Diego as seen through the border fence from Tijuana, Mexico, on Dec. 10, 2018. REBECCA BLACKWELL, AP

U.S. police and border patrol hold a line as members of an inter-faith group hold a prayer session to show support for Central American asylum-seekers in San Diego as seen from across the border wall in Tijuana, Mexico on Dec. 10, 2018. REBECCA BLACKWELL, AP

A child pushes a stroller outside a closed temporary migrant shelter on Dec. 6, 2018 in Tijuana, Mexico. After traveling more than six weeks from Central America and arriving to the U.S. border, members of the migrant caravan are increasingly seeing the long odds of crossing successfully into the United States. John Moore, Getty Images

Honduran migrant Leivi Ortega, 22, center, carries her two-year-old daughter Naomi Michell as they climb into the back of a police van with more than a dozen other Central Americans who had been waiting on a rainy beach at night in hopes of finding an opportunity to cross the U.S. border, before police decided to take them back to a distant migrant shelter, in Playas de Tijuana, Mexico, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018. Discouraged by the long wait to apply for asylum through official ports of entry, many Central American migrants from recent caravans are choosing to cross the U.S. border wall and hand themselves in to border patrol agents. Rebecca Blackwell, AP

Rain falls on a migrant caravan camp on Dec. 5, 2018 in Tijuana, Mexico. Now near the U.S.-Mexico border after traveling more than six weeks from Central America, thousands of migrants are facing a challenging environment in their goal to enter the United States. John Moore, Getty Images

An immigrant awakes while camped out outside a closed migrant camp on Dec. 5, 2018 from Tijuana, Mexico. Hundreds of members of the migrant caravan continue to stay outside the closed camp next to the U.S.-Mexico border fence. After traveling more than 6 weeks from Central America, thousands of immigrants from the migrant caravan remain in Tijuana, many awaiting asylum interviews and others deciding whether to cross illegally into the United States. John Moore, Getty Images

A Honduran migrant crawls through a hole under the U.S. border fence in Playas de Tijuana, Mexico, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018. Discouraged by the long wait to apply for asylum through official ports of entry, many Central American migrants from recent caravans are choosing to cross the U.S. border wall and hand themselves in to border patrol agents. Rebecca Blackwell, AP

Honduran migrant Rachel Rivera, 19, and her 3-year-old daughter Charlot Andrea are detained by U.S. border patrol after they crossed under the U.S. border wall from Playas de Tijuana, Mexico, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018. Weeping as she stayed behind in Tijuana with her Mexican husband, Rivera's mother Yesenia said her daughter and granddaughter had joined the migrant caravan to flee an abusive husband back in Honduras. Rebecca Blackwell, AP

Children part of the Central American migrants caravan, play on the street, while camping near a closed temporary shelter a few meters from the US-Mexico border in Tijuana, Baja California State, Mexico, Dec. 4, 2018. Thousands of Central American migrants, mostly Hondurans, have trekked for over a month in the hopes of reaching the United States. Guillermo Arias, AFP/Getty Images

A man pulls himself up onto the U.S. border wall as he and other migrants climb over to San Ysidro, Calif., in order to surrender to the U.S. Border Patrol, in Playas de Tijuana, Mexico, Monday, Dec. 3, 2018. Rebecca Blackwell, AP

Nearly 150 Central American migrants seeking political asylum in the United States are detained by the Border Patrol, after entering the US through the Rio Grande, along the border with Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua state, Mexico, on Dec. 3, 2018. Herika Martinez, AFP/Getty Images

Migrants depart on a bus from a temporary shelter where they were staying, on their way to a new shelter on the eastern side of the city, on Nov. 30, 2018 in Tijuana, Mexico. Rains yesterday in Tijuana brought flooding to sections of the old shelter, which is located in a soccer complex. Officials hope to re-locate at least 3,000 of the migrants, many from the 'migrant caravan', to the new shelter. Around 6,000 migrants from Central America were crowded into the original shelter which was intended to hold 3,000. Mario Tama, Getty Images

A migrant mother and daughter from Honduras depart on a bus from a temporary shelter where they were staying, on their way to a new shelter on the eastern side of the city, on Nov. 30, 2018 in Tijuana, Mexico. Mario Tama, Getty Images

Central American migrants -mostly from Honduras- traveling in a caravan to the United States, rest after being relocated at a new temporary shelter in east Tijuana, Baja California State, Mexico, in the border with the US on Nov. 30, 2018. Pedro Pardo, AFP/Getty Images

Members of the US border patrol take part in a drill in Sundland Park, United States, on Nov. 30, 2018, as seen from Tijuana, in the Mexico-US border. - Approximately 5,600 active-duty troops -part of a contentious mission ordered by President Donald Trump- are currently supporting to assist short-handed border patrol agents deal with the arrival of large groups of migrants in so-called "caravans". Herika Martinez, AFP/Getty Images

A Central American migrant who trekked for over a month across Central America and Mexico with a caravan in the hopes of reaching the United States, climbs the US-Mexico border fence to cross illegally from Playas de Tijuana, Baja California State, Mexico, to San Diego, Calif., US, on Nov. 30, 2018. Pedro Pardo, AFP/Getty Images

A doll is seen next to chemical toilets at a temporary shelter where Central American migrants trying to reach the US are staying in Tijuana, Baja California State, Mexico, in the border with the US, on Nov. 29, 2018. Pedro Pardo, AFP/Getty Images

Migrants in a shelter in the border city of Tijuana, Mexico on Nov. 29, 2018. Migrants stationed in the Mexican city of Tijuana today announced a hunger strike starting on Thursday, as a form of pressure to request that the United States Government increase the number of asylum requests that it processes daily. Alejandro Zepeda, EPA-EFE

Women, men and children are stopped by Mexican Federal Police after they tried to peacefully march to the El Chaparral pedestrian point of entry on Nov. 29, 2018 in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. The group intended to call for a hunger strike to bring changes to the current protocols of asylum in the U.S. OMAR ORNELAS, The Desert Sun via USA TODAY Network

Women, men and children are stopped by Mexican Federal Police after they tried to peacefully march to the El Chaparral pedestrian point of entry on Nov. 29, 2018 in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. The group intended to call for a hunger strike to bring changes to the current protocols of asylum in the U.S. OMAR ORNELAS, The Desert Sun via USA TODAY Network

Women, men and children are stopped by Mexican Federal Police after they tried to peacefully march to the El Chaparral pedestrian point of entry on Nov. 29, 2018 in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. The group intended to call for a hunger strike to bring changes to the current protocols of asylum in the U.S. OMAR ORNELAS, The Desert Sun via USA TODAY Network

A migrant man uses a tarp to try to prevent more water from entering his tent at the Benito Juarez sports complex in Tijuana, Mexico on Nov. 29, 2018. OMAR ORNELAS, The Desert Sun via USA TODAY Network

Crews clean up a building where a second shelter may be opened for the caravan migrants on Nov. 28, 2018. If the migrants agree to move to the new shelter, they would be moved 11 kilometers from the San Ysidro Port of Entry to the new shelter. OMAR ORNELAS, The Desert Sun via USA TODAY Network

Crews clean up a building where a second shelter may be opened for the caravan migrants on Nov. 28, 2018. If the migrants agree to move to the new shelter, they would be moved 11 kilometers from the San Ysidro Port of Entry to the new shelter. OMAR ORNELAS, The Desert Sun via USA TODAY Network

A woman reads a newspaper inside her tent as migrants camp out on the street outside an overflowing sports complex on Nov. 28, 2018, where more than 5,000 Central American migrants are sheltering in Tijuana, Mexico. REBECCA BLACKWELL, AP

A migrant, part of the migrant caravan, crosses a flooded area after bathing at a sports complex on Nov. 28, 2018, where more than 5,000 Central American migrants are sheltering in Tijuana, Mexico. RAMON ESPINOSA, AP

A migrant rests inside a blanket cocoon tied to keep him from rolling off the spectator stands while sleeping, at a sports complex on Nov. 28, 2018, where more than 5,000 Central American migrants are sheltering, in Tijuana, Mexico. REBECCA BLACKWELL, AP

A migrant volunteer hauls trash out past a muddy section inside an overflowing sports complex on Nov. 28, 2018, where more than 5,000 Central American migrants are sheltering, in Tijuana, Mexico. REBECCA BLACKWELL, AP

A migrant man listens to his peers on Nov 26, 2018, as they discuss the possibility of returning back to Honduras outside the Benito Juarez shelter, which houses more than 5000 migrants in Tijuana, Mexico. OMAR ORNELAS, The Desert Sun via USA TODAY Network

Honduran migrants are escorted to a Mexican Federal Police airplane in Tijuana, Mexico that is headed to Mexico City where they will be processed for repatriation to Honduras on Nov. 27, 2018. The migrants were part of the migrant caravan that arrived in the city of Tijuana, Mexico but decided to voluntarily return to their country. Mexican Federal Police

Migrants from Honduras fill out work applications on Nov. 27, 2018, during a job fair sponsored by the Tijuana Municipal Government for those migrants wishing to remain in Tijuana, Mexico. Mexican Federal Police

A migrant man listens to Honduran ambassador to Mexico, Alden Rivera Montes on Nov. 27, 2018, during a job fair sponsored by the Tijuana Municipal Government for those migrants wishing to remain in Tijuana, Mexico. Mexican Federal Police

Migrants charge their phone batteries at the Benito Juarez sports complex shelter, which is housing more than 5000 migrants in the city of Tijuana, Mexico on Nov. 27, 2018. Omar Ornelas, The Desert Sun, via USA TODAY Network

Migrants wash their face and brush their teeth at the only water station in the Benito Juarez sports complex shelter, Nov. 27, 2018, in Tijuana, Mexico. Omar Ornelas, The Desert Sun, via USA TODAY Network

epa07191681 General view of the border checkpoint Garita El Chaparral, which is functioning normally, in the city of Tijuana, Mexico, 26 November 2018. Mexico deported 98 migrants who allegedly staged a brawl on Sunday breaking a fence of the Federal Police in the city of Tijuana with the desire to cross the border with the United States, reported the National Institute of Migration (INM). EPA-EFE/Alejandro Zepeda ORG XMIT: AME890 ALEJANDRO ZEPEDA, EPA

Tear gas is used by border police to prevent groups of people from crossing El Chaparral, in Tijuana, Mexico, Nov. 25, 2018. A group of migrants from the caravan of Central Americans who advanced towards the San Ysidro gateway deviated from the planned route to try to cross the border wall by other points. David Guzmán, EPA-EFE

A group of Central American migrants cross the almost dry riverbed of the Tijuana River in an attempt to get to El Chaparral port of entry, in Tijuana, Mexico, near the U.S.-Mexico border on Nov. 25, 2018. GUILLERMO ARIAS, AFP/Getty Images

A man traveling with a caravan of Central American migrants walks along a barricade set by the U.S. Border Patrol along the Tijuana River, near the El Chaparral border crossing in Tijuana, Mexico, on Nov. 25, 2018. GUILLERMO ARIAS, AFP/Getty Images

A Central American migrant wrapped in a U.S. flag looks at the almost dry riverbed of the Tijuana River near the El Chaparral border crossing near U.S.-Mexico border in Tijuana, Mexico, on Nov. 25, 2018. GUILLERMO ARIAS, AFP/Getty Images

Mexican police block the way to Central American migrants wanting to reach the El Chaparral border crossing close to the Mexico-U.S. border, in Tijuana, Mexico, on Nov. 25, 2018. GUILLERMO ARIAS, AFP/Getty Images

Central American migrants sit along the concrete waterway of the bordering Tijuana River right across the El Chaparral border crossing point in Tijuana, Mexico, on Nov. 25, 2018. GUILLERMO ARIAS, AFP/Getty Images

A migrant wipes his face after U.S. border agents fired tear gas at a group of migrants who had pushed past Mexican police at the Chaparral border crossing in Tijuana, Mexico on Nov. 25, 2018. RAMON ESPINOSA, AP

A group of Central American migrants climb the border fence between Mexico and the United States as others try to bring it down, near El Chaparral border crossing, in Tijuana, Baja California State, Mexico, on Nov. 25, 2018. PEDRO PARDO, AFP/Getty Images

A group of Central American migrants cross the almost dry riverbed of the Tijuana River in an attempt to get to El Chaparral port of entry, in Tijuana, Baja California State, Mexico, near US-Mexico border on Nov. 25, 2018. . PEDRO PARDO, AFP/Getty Images

A Central American migrant is stopped by U.S. agents who order him to go back to the Mexican side of the border, after a group of migrants got past Mexican police at the Chaparral crossing in Tijuana, Mexico on Nov. 25, 2018. PEDRO ACOSTA, AP

Migrants walk up a riverbank at the Mexico-U.S. border after pushing past a line of Mexican police at the Chaparral border crossing in Tijuana, Mexico, on Nov. 25, 2018, as they try to reach the U.S. RAMON ESPINOSA, AP

A migrant woman helps carry a handmade U.S. flag up the riverbank at the Mexico-U.S. border after getting past Mexican police at the Chaparral border crossing in Tijuana, Mexico, on Nov. 25, 2018, as a group of migrants tries to reach the U.S. Ramon Espinosa, AP

A group of Central American migrants run along the dry riverbed of the Tijuana River in an attempt to get to El Chaparral port of entry, in Tijuana, Mexico, near the US-Mexico border, Nov. 25, 2018. Hundreds of migrants attempted to storm a border fence separating Mexico from the U.S. on Sunday amid mounting fears they will be kept in Mexico while their applications for a asylum are processed. GUILLERMO ARIAS, AFP/Getty Images

A U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents is seen running after the closing of the U.S.-Mexico border was ordered on Nov. 25, 2018 at the San Ysidro border crossing point south of San Diego. U.S. officials closed a border crossing in southern California on Sunday after hundreds of migrants tried to breach a border fence from the Mexican city of Tijuana. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection office in San Diego, California, said on Twitter that it had closed both north and south access to vehicle traffic at the San Ysidro border post, before also suspending pedestrian crossings. SANDY HUFFAKER, AFP/Getty Images

Members of the 'migrant caravan' wait in line to receive breakfast outside a temporary shelter set up for members of the caravan on November 24, 2018 in Tijuana, Mexico. Around 6,000 migrants from Central America have arrived in the city with the mayor of Tijuana declaring the situation a 'humanitarian crisis'. Most migrants in the caravan say they plan to petition for asylum in the U.S. The incoming government in Mexico will reportedly support a new Trump administration policy requiring migrants asking for asylum in the U.S. to remain in Mexico while their cases are processed. Mario Tama, Getty Images

Bodyboarders walk next to the U.S.-Mexico border structure in Tijuana, Mexico, Friday, Nov. 23, 2018. The mayor of Tijuana has declared a humanitarian crisis in his border city and says that he has asked the United Nations for aid to deal with the approximately 5,000 Central American migrants who have arrived in the city.3 Rodrigo Abd, AP

A banner painted by migrants in the colors of the U.S. flag is displayed outside a temporary shelter set up for members of the 'migrant caravan' at a soccer complex on Nov. 23, 2018 in Tijuana, Mexico. Mario Tama, Getty Images

Members of the 'migrant caravan' worship, reflected in a car window, during a street worship service outside a temporary shelter set up for members of the caravan on Nov. 23, 2018 in Tijuana, Mexico. Around 5,000 migrants from Central America have arrived in the city with the mayor of Tijuana declaring the situation a 'humanitarian crisis'. Some migrants have chosen to sleep in the streets due to poor conditions in the main temporary shelter located in a mostly outdoor soccer complex. Parts of the migrant caravan have been arriving to Tijuana after traveling for more than a month through Central America and Mexico to reach the U.S. border. Mario Tama, Getty Images

Early morning light illuminates the face of a migrant woman and her child as she wakes after sleeping under a bridge at the Chaparral border crossing in Tijuana, Mexico, Friday, Nov. 23, 2018. Rodrigo Abd, AP

Honduran mother Lorena sits on the street with two of her four children, Yasir, left, and Maria, who all traveled together for more than one month in the 'migrant caravan', on Nov. 23, 2018 in Tijuana, Mexico. Mario Tama, Getty Images

Central American migrants remain in a shelter at the Sports Center Benito Juarez, in Tijuana, Mexico, Nov. 22, 2018. Dozens of Central Americans from the migrant caravan are faced with the dilemma of pursuing asylum in the USA and Canada or seeking refuge in Mexico. MarÌa de la Luz Ascencio, EPA

Mexican riot police keep watch beneath onlookers on a bridge as members of the 'migrant caravan' rally outside the El Chaparral port of entry on Nov. 22, 2018 in Tijuana, Mexico. Parts of the migrant caravan have been arriving to Tijuana after traveling for more than a month through Central America and Mexico to reach the U.S. border. President Donald Trump today threatened to close the U.S.-Mexico border if the arrival of migrants leads to a loss of 'control' on the Mexican side. Mario Tama, Getty Images

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents take part in an operational readiness exercise at the San Ysidro port of entry in the U.S., as seen from Tijuana, Baja California State, Mexico, on Nov. 22, 2018. GUILLERMO ARIAS, AFP/Getty Images

Migrant children, part of the Central American migrants, play with Mexico's Federal police at El Chaparral port of entry on the U.S.-Mexico border in Tijuana, Baja California state, Mexico on Nov. 22, 2018. GUILLERMO ARIAS, AFP/Getty Images

A migrant man holds a U.S. flag as he is confronted by a line of Mexican police in riot gear, when they tried to cross the border at the Chaparral border crossing in Tijuana, Mexico on Nov. 22, 2018. The group marched peacefully to the border crossing to demand better conditions and pushed to enter the U.S. RODRIGO ABD, AP

Two Honduran men pose as a photographer, at left, takes their picture after the group climbed the border wall separating Tijuana, Mexico, and San Diego, before climbing back down on the Mexican side on Nov. 21, 2018 as seen from San Diego. GREGORY BULL, AP

Several charter buses carrying migrants arrive at the Unidad Deportiva Benito Juarez sports complex in Tijuana, Mexico in the early morning hours on Nov. 21, 2018. The city of Tijuana is using the sports complex as a shelter for the migrants. Nick Oza, USA TODAY Network

Several charter buses carrying migrants arrive at the Unidad Deportiva Benito Juarez sports complex in Tijuana, Mexico in the early morning hours on Nov. 21, 2018. The city of Tijuana is using the sports complex as a shelter for the migrants. Nick Oza, for USA TODAY

Several charter buses carrying migrants arrive at the Unidad Deportiva Benito Juarez sports complex in Tijuana, Mexico in the early morning hours on Nov. 21, 2018. The city of Tijuana is using the sports complex as a shelter for the migrants. Nick Oza, for USA TODAY

Several charter buses carrying migrants arrive at the Unidad Deportiva Benito Juarez sports complex in Tijuana, Mexico in the early morning hours on Nov. 21, 2018. The city of Tijuana is using the sports complex as a shelter for the migrants. Nick Oza, for USA TODAY

Over 2,500 Central American migrants live at the Unidad Deportiva Benito Juarez, a makeshift shelter, in Tijuana, Mexico on Nov. 20, 2018. Migrants set up camp around the baseball stadium. NICK OZA, USA TODAY Network

Over 2,500 Central American migrants live at the Unidad Deportiva Benito Juarez, a makeshift shelter, in Tijuana, Mexico on Nov. 20, 2018. Migrants set up camp around the baseball stadium. NICK OZA, USA TODAY Network

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen tours the border with Chief Patrol Agent Rodney S. Scott, at the U.S.-Mexico border fence in San Diego on Nov. 20, 2018. Nielsen said “ Make no mistake; you will not get into our country illegally.” NICK OZA, USA TODAY Network

Maritza Lara, a migrant from Honduras, jumps at the chance to find a job in Mexico in order to move out of the shelter where she lives in Tijuana on Nov. 19, 2018. Government and business leaders organized a month-long job fair aimed at helping migrants stay in Mexico, rather than pursue asylum claims in the United States. NICK OZA, USA TODAY Network

Over 2,500 Central American migrants live at the Unidad Deportiva Benito Juarez, a makeshift shelter, in Tijuana, Mexico on Nov. 20, 2018. Migrants set up camp around the baseball stadium. NICK OZA, USA TODAY Network

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers check the IDs of pedestrians crossing into the United States after reopening the San Ysidro port of entry on Nov.19, 2018, in Tijuana, Mexico. NICK OZA, USA TODAY Network

Over 2,500 mostly Central American migrants are currently staying at the Unidad Deportiva Benito Juarez, a makeshift shelter, in Tijuana, Mexico on Nov. 18, 2018. Migrants set up camp around the baseball stadium, propping up tents using whatever materials they have available. Bathrooms and outdoor showers were installed in the outfield. NICK OZA, USA TODAY Network

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers check the IDs of pedestrians crossing into the United States after reopening the San Ysidro port of entry on Nov.19, 2018, in Tijuana, Mexico. NICK OZA, USA TODAY Network

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers check the IDs of pedestrians crossing into the United States after reopening the San Ysidro port of entry on Nov.19, 2018, in Tijuana, Mexico. NICK OZA, USA TODAY Network

A Central American migrant walks towards the United States, through Mexicali, Mexico, on Nov. 18, 2018. The Central American migrant caravan faced a desperate situation Friday as its numbers swelled at the US-Mexican border, where it got a cold welcome and a warning that its chances of entering the United States were "almost nil." PEDRO PARDO, AFP/Getty Images

Demonstrators stand under an indigenous statue of Aztec ruler Cuauhtemoc as they protest the presence of thousands of Central American migrants in Tijuana, Mexico, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018. Protesters accused the migrants of being messy, ungrateful and a danger to Tijuana; complained about how the caravan forced its way into Mexico, calling it an "invasion," and voiced worries that their taxes might be spent to care for the group as they wait possibly months to apply for U.S. asylum. Ramon Espinosa, AP

Aerial view of people demonstrating against the Central American migrants in Tijuana, blocked by riot police near a temporary shelter, on Nov. 18, 2018, in Tijuana, Mexico. GUILLERMO ARIAS, AFP/Getty Images

Members of the migrant caravan walk to the official border crossing to turn in requests for political asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border on Nov.17, 2018 in Tijuana, Mexico. Parts of the caravan have been arriving in Tijuana at the U.S. border, after traveling more than a month through Central America and Mexico. John Moore

People use a legal border crossing to walk from Tijuana, Mexico to the U.S., Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018. While many in Tijuana are sympathetic to the plight of Central American migrants and trying to assist, some locals have shouted insults, hurled rocks and even thrown punches at the migrants. Marco Ugarte, AP

U.S. authorities have been filling the Tijuana River with sand mounds and concertina wire, at the border line between Mexico and the United States, in preparation of Central American migrants moving towards the United States, seen from Tijuana, Mexico, on Nov. 18, 2018. GUILLERMO ARIAS, AFP/Getty Images

A Central American migrant moving in a caravan towards the United States in hopes of a better life, waits for food outside a shelter in Tijuana, Mexico, on Nov. 17, 2018. The Central American migrant caravan faced a desperate situation Friday as its numbers swelled at the US-Mexican border, where it got a cold welcome and a warning that its chances of entering the United States were "almost nil." Alfredo Estrella, AFP/Getty Images

A Central American migrant woman moving towards the United States in hopes of a better life, plays with a child at the Alfa y Omega shelter in Mexicali, Baja California state, Mexico, on Nov. 17, 2018. Pedro Pardo, AFP/Getty Images

Residents stand on a hill before barriers, wrapped in concertina wire, separating Mexico and the United States, where the border meets the Pacific Ocean, in Tijuana, Mexico, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. Many of the nearly 3,000 migrants have reached the border with California. The mayor has called the migrants' arrival an "avalanche" that the city is ill-prepared to handle. Marco Ugarte, AP

The U.S.-Mexico border is marked on Nov. 16, 2018 in San Ysidro, CA. U.S. border agencies continued to fortify the border with razor wire and additional personnel as members of the migrant caravan arrived to Tijuana across the border. John Moore, Getty Images

Members of the caravan of Central American migrants walk on a street in Tijuana, state of Baja California, Mexico on Nov. 16, 2018. Tension over the arrival of Central American migrants to the Mexican city of Tijuana increased when the Mayor of Tijuana, Juan Manuel Gastelum, accused the federal government of being 'indolent' for allowing them to enter the country, he announced a public consultation on their stay and declared 'zero tolerance' for those who violate the law. Alejandro Zepeda, EPA-EFE

People who are part of the migrant caravan rest at a shelter in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico on Nov. 16, 2018. Tijuana prepares to host Central American migrants for months before the foreseeable difficulties they will have in order to cross the border to the United States. Alejandro Zepeda, EPA-EFE

A Central American migrant child moving with a caravan towards the United States in hopes of a better life, cries as she embraces a woman at the Alfa y Omega shelter in Mexicali, Baja California state, Mexico, on Nov. 16, 2018. The Central American migrant caravan trekking toward the United States converged on the US-Mexican border Thursday after more than a month on the road, undeterred by President Donald Trump's deployment of thousands of American troops near the border. Pedro Pardo, AFP/Getty Images

Members of the U.S. military install multiple tiers of concertina wire along the banks of the Rio Grande near the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge at the U.S.-Mexico border, Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Laredo, Texas. Eric Gay, AP

Sairy Hueso, part of the Central American migrant caravan, carries her daughter Etzabe Ponce, as she stands next to her husband while waiting in line to receive a number as part of the process to apply for asylum in the United States, at the border in Tijuana, Mexico Tijuana, Mexico, Friday, Nov. 16, 2018. Rodrigo Abd, AP

Selvin Velazquez, a migrant from Honduras, bathes in the Pacific Ocean near the border structure in Tijuana, Mexico, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018. Members of a migrant caravan from Central America started to meet some local resistance as they continued to arrive by the hundreds in the Mexican border city of Tijuana, where a group of residents clashed with migrants camped out by the U.S. border fence. Gregory Bull, AP

A woman and child are detained by U.S. Border Patrol agents as they sit between two border structures located on the U.S. side, seen from Tijuana, Mexico, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018. It is unknown if the two are members of a migrant caravan, but migrants from a first of three caravans continue to arrive by the hundreds in Tijuana. Gregory Bull, AP

Mexican Federal Police stop a fight between Honduran immigrants and Mexican residents of Playas De Tijuana. The migrants had set up a makeshift camp at "Friendship Park" in Playas De Tijuana on Nov 14, 2018. The Mexican residents demanded that the the migrants leave the area and threaten the migrants if they did not leave. Federal and Municipal Mexican police kept both groups separated and some incidents of violence broke out throughout the night. Omar Ornelas, The Desert Sun-USA TODAY Network

Honduran immigrants look on as Mexican residents of Playas De Tijuana confronted the migrants who had set up a makeshift camp at "Friendship Park" in Playas De Tijuana on Nov 14, 2018. Omar Ornelas, The Desert Sun-USA TODAY Network

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer keep an eye on Members of the fist wave of the migrant caravan as they visit Playas De Tijuana after arriving in Tijuana, Mexico on Nov. 13, 2018. The group of 350 migrants traveled in 9 buses on the last part of the trip from Hermosillo, Sonora. Omar Ornelas, The Desert Sun-USA TODAY Network

Members of the migrant caravan arrive on the outskirts of Tijuana, Mexico on Nov. 13, 2018. The group of 350 migrants traveled in 9 buses on the last part of the trip from Hermosillo, Sonora. OMAR ORNELAS, The Desert Sun via USA TODAY Network

Members of the migrant caravan arrive on the outskirts of Tijuana, Mexico on Nov. 13, 2018. The group of 350 migrants traveled in 9 buses on the last part of the trip from Hermosillo, Sonora. OMAR ORNELAS, The Desert Sun via USA TODAY Network

Members of the migrant caravan arrive on the outskirts of Tijuana, Mexico on Nov. 13, 2018. The group of 350 migrants traveled in 9 buses on the last part of the trip from Hermosillo, Sonora. OMAR ORNELAS, The Desert Sun via USA TODAY Network

Members of the caravan of Central American migrants prepare to leave Mexico City, Mexico, and resume their journey to the United States on Nov. 10, 2018. After failing to get the UN to provide free transportation, thousands of migrants from the caravan of Central Americans camped in Mexico City agreed to prepare to leave the capital on Saturday and resume their march on foot to the United States. Groups of migrants, mostly young, did not comply with this decision and left early in the morning for Queretaro, north of the capital, although most of the approximately 5,000 people in the caravan remained in the camp, following the indications of Pueblo Sin Fronteras, the organization that accompanies them. Sashenka Gutierrez, EPA-EFE

Central American migrants travel on a truck after hitching a ride in Tepotzotlan, Mexico, as they resume their journey north after leaving the temporary shelter in Mexico City, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. Rodrigo Abd, AP

Central American migrants stand in line hoping to hitch a ride in Tepotzotlan, Mexico, as they resume their journey north after leaving the temporary shelter at the Jesus Martinez stadium, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. Thousands of Central American migrants were back on the move toward the U.S. border Saturday, after dedicated Mexico City metro trains whisked them to the outskirts of the capital and drivers began offering rides north. Marco Ugarte, AP

Central American migrants ride an escalator at a subway station as they resume their journey north after leaving the temporary shelter at the Jesus Martinez stadium, in Mexico City, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. Rodrigo Abd, AP

Members of the second migrant caravan depart from the municipality of Matias Romero Oaxaca, to the state of Veracruz, Mexico on Nov. 9, 2018. After failing to get the UN to provide them with free transportation, thousands of migrants agreed to prepare to leave the capital on November 10 and resume their march on foot to the United States. Luis Villalobos, EPA-EFE

epa07154569 Members of the third migrant caravan, from El Salvador, arrive at the municipality of Matías Romero, in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, 09 November 2018. A third caravan originating in El Salvador left the southern state of Chiapas today to enter Oaxaca and follow the same route as the previous contingents. After failing to get the UN to provide them with free transportation, the thousands of migrants from the caravan of Central Americans camped in Mexico City today agreed to prepare to leave the capital on Saturday and resume their march on foot to the United States. EPA-EFE/Lusi Villalobos ORG XMIT: AME1571 Luis Villalobos, EFE

Hundreds of members of the Central American migrant caravan move in the early hours toward their next destination on Nov. 04, 2018, in Isla, Mexico. The group of migrants, many of them fleeing violence in their home countries, last took a rest day on Wednesday and have resumed their march to the United States border. As fatigue from the heat, distance and poor sanitary conditions has set in, the number of people participating in the march has slowly dwindled, but a significant group are still determined to get to the United Sates. The U.S. will deploy more than 5,000 active-duty troops to the U.S.-Mexico border in an effort to prevent members of the migrant caravan from illegally entering the country. Spencer Platt, Getty Images

Migrants from Central American countries headed towards the United States in hopes of a better life or to escape violence make a stop at a temporary shelter at a sports complex in Mexico City, on Nov. 4, 2018. ALFREDO ESTRELLA, AFP/Getty Images

A man bathes in the rain outside a temporary shelter set up for a splinter group of a migrant caravan hoping to reach the U.S. border, in Cordoba, Veracruz state, Mexico, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Rodrigo Abd, AP

U.S. Army soldiers from Ft. Riley, Kansas string razor wire near the port of entry at the U.S.-Mexico border on Nov. 4, 2018 in Donna, Texas. President Trump ordered the troops to border areas ahead of the possible arrival of an immigrant caravan in upcoming weeks. John Moore, Getty Images

Migrant hands hold on inside a truck as hundreds of members of the Central American migrant caravan move in the early hours toward their next destination on Nov. 04, 2018 in Isla, Mexico. Spencer Platt, Getty Images

Migrants -mostly Hondurans- taking part in a caravan heading to the US, rest at the Asuncion temple -fitted out as a temporary shelter- in Puebla, Puebla state, Mexico, on Nov. 4, 2018. GUILLERMO ARIAS, AFP/Getty Images

A migrant taking part in a caravan heading to the US, stands in the Asuncion temple, outfitted as a temporary shelter, in Puebla, Puebla state, Mexico, on Nov. 4, 2018. GUILLERMO ARIAS, AFP/Getty Images

Central American migrants continue moving towards the United States in hopes of a better life or to escape violence, head to a shelter after arriving in Puebla, Mexico, on Nov. 4, 2018. GUILLERMO ARIAS, AFP/Getty Images

Central American migrants sleep inside a church that opened its doors to members of a caravan who splintered off the main group in order to reach the capital faster, in Puebla, Mexico, early Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Thousands of Central American migrants resumed their push toward the United States on Sunday, a day after arguments over the path ahead saw some travelers splinter away from the main caravan, which is entering a treacherous part of its journey through Mexico. Rodrigo Abd, AP

Members of a U.S Army engineering brigade place Concertina wire around an encampment for troops, Department of Defense and U.S. Customs and Border Protection near the U.S.-Mexico International bridge, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018, in Donna, Texas. Eric Gay, AP

Migrants heading in a caravan to the U.S., help a child catch a ride on a truck on the road linking Sayula de Aleman and Isla, Veracruz state, Mexico, on Nov. 3, 2018. GUILLERMO ARIAS, AFP/Getty Images

A boy gives food to central American migrants, part of the caravan hoping to reach the U.S. border, as they travel on a truck, in Loma Bonita, Oaxaca state, Mexico, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. Rodrigo Abd, AP

Members of the Central American migrant caravan move towards their destination of the United States border on Nov. 03, 2018 in Sayula de Aleman, Mexico. The group of migrants, many of them fleeing violence in their home countries, last took a rest day on Wednesday and has resumed their journey. As fatigue from the heat, distance and poor sanitary conditions has set in, the numbers of people participating in the trek has slowly dwindled but a significant group are still determined to get to the United States. President Donald Trump said Wednesday as many as 15,000 troops may be deployed to the U.S.-Mexico border in an effort to prevent members of the migrant caravan from illegally entering the country. Spencer Platt, Getty Images

U.S. Army active duty troops from Ft. Riley, Kansas, 97th MP Battalion install protective wire along the Rio Grande at the U.S.-Mexico border on Nov. 2, 2018 in Hidalgo, Texas. U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the troops to the border to bolster security at points of entry where an immigrant caravan may attempt to cross in upcoming weeks. John Moore, Getty Images

Salvadorian migrants heading in a caravan to the US, cross the Suchiate River to Mexico, from Ciudad Tecun Uman, Guatemala, on Nov. 02, 2018. According to the Salvadorian General Migration Directorate, over 1,700 Salvadorians left the country in two caravans and entered Guatemala Wednesday, in an attempt to reach the US. Carlos Alonzo, AFP/Getty Images

Hundreds of migrants -mostly Hondurans- taking part in a caravan heading to the US, gather before deciding to take the road on their way to Isla, Veracruz State, Mexico, on Nov. 3, 2018. President Donald Trump on Thursday warned that soldiers deployed to the Mexican border could shoot Central American migrants who throw stones at them while attempting to cross illegally. Guillermo Arias, AFP/Getty Images

Central American migrants, part of the caravan hoping to reach the U.S. border, get a ride on a truck in Donaji, Oaxaca state, Mexico, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. The migrants had already made a grueling 40-mile trek from Juchitan, Oaxaca, on Thursday, after they failed to get the bus transportation they had hoped for. But hitching rides allowed them to get to Donaji early, and some headed on to a town even further north, Sayula. Rodrigo Abd, AP

Salvadorian migrants heading in a caravan to the US, cross the Suchiate River to Mexico, as seen from Ciudad Tecun Uman, Guatemala, on Nov. 02, 2018. According to the Salvadorian General Migration Directorate, over 1,700 Salvadorians left the country in two caravans and entered Guatemala Wednesday, in an attempt to reach the US. Marvin Recinos, AFP/Getty Images

Members of the Central American migrant caravan move to the next town at dawn on Nov. 02, 2018 in Matias Romero, Mexico. The group of migrants, many of them fleeing violence in their home countries, last took a rest day on Wednesday and has resumed their journey towards the United States border. As fatigue from the heat, distance and poor sanitary conditions has set in, the numbers of people participating in the trek has slowly dwindled but a significant group are still determined to get to the United States. President Donald Trump said Wednesday as many as 15,000 active-duty troops may be deployed to the U.S.-Mexico border in an effort to prevent members of the migrant caravan from illegally entering the country. Spencer Platt, Getty Images

Another mass exodus of migrants, this time from El Salvador, in Tecun Uman, state of San Marcos, Guatemala was preparing to cross into Mexico from Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018. Mexican immigration officers have started allowing small groups of 50 to 200 migrants to cross the international bridge between Tecun Uman, Guatemala and Ciudad Hidalgo, to give them the chance to apply to remain in Mexico as refugees. NICK OZA/USA TODAY NETWORK

Migrants attempt to cross the Suchiate River separating Mexico from Guatemala on Nov. 1, 2018. Mexican immigration officers, federal police stood on the banks and Mexican Marines patrolled the river by boat.
A Mexican immigration officer who was not authorized to speak said migrants from Central America are being offered the chance to apply for asylum to remain in Mexico as long as they can produce passports from their home countries or other documents ration. NICK OZA/USA TODAY NETWORK

Kevin Vladimir, from El Salvador, looks at the route map while he joined another mass exodus of migrants, this time from El Salvador, was preparing to cross into Mexico from Guatemala Thursday, the large wave in less than two weeks.
While Mexican immigration officers have started allowing small groups of 50 to 200 migrants to cross the international bridge between Tecun Uman, Guatemala and Ciudad Hidalgo, to give them the chance to apply to remain in Mexico as refugees, some migrants feared the offer was a trap to arrest and deport them. NICK OZA/USA TODAY NETWORK

About 500 migrants lined the plaza of Tecun Uman, Guatamala. Some were waiting for a much larger group to arrive Thursday or Friday. Others said they didn’t want to wait and planned to cross at 4 p.m. Thursday. NICK OZA/USA TODAY NETWORK

In Huixtla, Mexico, Yeni Cananero, 30, said she and her husband joined hundreds of migrants who waded across the chin deep river with their four children because the bridge was blocked. They said Mexican helicopters hovered over the water to create waves to deter the migrants from attempting to cross. She said her children almost drowned.
Cantanero said they fled Honduras because gangs had threatened to kill their family. NICK OZA/USA TODAY NETWORK

A second mass exodus of Central American migrants traveling in a caravan has entered Mexico and has reached the town of Huixtla about 50 miles north of the Guatemalan border.
Migrants traveling with the group said 2,00O to 3,000 migrants are traveling in the caravan. NICK OZA/USA TODAY NETWORK

For the first time buses were used to transport migrant women and children arrives in Juchitan de Zaragoza on Oct. 30, 2018. The president of the municipality has converted a vacant bus station into a temporary shelter for the migrants, offering the best conditions the migrants have experienced so far. NICK OZA/USA TODAY NETWORK

A boy with a US flag joins Salvadoran migrants embarking on a journey in caravan to the United States, in San Salvador on Oct. 31, 2018. Many Salvadorians inspired by the much larger Honduran caravan already in Mexico and striving to reach the United States, are heading for the border with Guatemala in the hope of eventually realizing the "American dream" and reaching the US. Marvin Recinos, AFP/Getty Images

Migrants -mostly Hondurans- taking part in a caravan heading to the US, begin their day at a temporary shelter in Juchitan, Oaxaca State, Mexico, on Oct. 31, 2018. President Donald Trump kept up the pressure on Mexico on Wednesday to halt groups of migrants heading to the American border, as the US enters the final stretch of campaigning before key midterm elections. Trump ordered thousands of troops to the southern border and threatened to end automatic citizenship for US-born children of immigrants. Guillermo Arias, AFP/Getty Images

Migrants from El Salvador wait to be attended by Salvadoran migration authorities in La Hachadura, El Salvador, Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018. A fourth group of about 700 Salvadorans set out from the capital, San Salvador, with plans to walk to the U.S. border, 1,500 miles away. Diana Ulloa, AP

Members of the Central American caravan line up at dawn for food in a camp on Oct. 31, 2018 in Juchitan de Zaragoza, Mexico. The group of migrants, many of them fleeing violence in their home countries, took a rest day on Wednesday and plan to resume their march towards the United States border on Thursday. As fatigue from the heat, distance and poor sanitary conditions has set in, the numbers of people participating in the march has slowly dwindled, but a significant group are still determined to get to the United Sates. It has been widely reported that the Pentagon will deploy 5,200 active-duty troops to the U.S.-Mexico border in an effort to prevent members of the migrant caravan from illegally entering the country. Spencer Platt, Getty Images

Thousands of Central American migrants traveling in a caravan that President Trump wants to stop at the US border began arriving in the city of Juchitan de Zaragoza before dawn on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018 in the state of Oaxaca in southern Mexico. Nick Oza, The Arizona Republic-USA TODAY Network

Central American migrants attempting to travel to the US border began arriving in the city of Juchitan de Zaragoza before dawn on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018 in the state of Oaxaca in southern Mexico. Nick Oza, The Arizona Republic-USA TODAY Network

Migrants from Honduras and other Central American countries traveling in a caravan headed for the U.S. reached the town of Santiago Niltepec in the state of Oaxaca. The town is still recovering from a powerful 8.2 earthquake last year, but the resident even came out to offer food, water, and shelter in the town's central plaza. The caravan passed through a Mexican immigration checkpoint on the way, but immigration officials stood by and let them pass. None of the migrants boarded buses that sat empty offering to take those who didn't want to go farther a chance to head back to their countries. Instead, the migrants jumped on flat-bed trucks, gasoline tankers, pickups and any other vehicle that slowed down to give them rides, while immigration officials stood and watched. Nick Oza, The Arizona Republic-USA TODAY Network

Migrants from Honduras and other Central American countries traveling in a caravan headed for the U.S. reached the town of Santiago Niltepec in the state of Oaxaca. Nick Oza, The Arizona Republic-USA TODAY Network

Migrants from Honduras and other Central American countries traveling in a caravan headed for the U.S. reached the town of Santiago Niltepec in the state of Oaxaca. The caravan passed through a Mexican immigration checkpoint on the way, but immigration officials stood by and let them pass. Nick Oza, The Arizona Republic-USA TODAY Network

Migrants from Honduras and other Central American countries traveling in a caravan headed for the U.S. rest in the town of Santiago Niltepec in the state of Oaxaca. Nick Oza, The Arizona Republic-USA TODAY Network

Alexandra Paisano Perez, 8, from Honduras eats orange given by humanitarian volunteers in Santiago Niltepec in the state of Oaxaca on Oct. 29, 2018. Most of the kids getting sick from heat exhaustion. Nick Oza, The Arizona Republic-USA TODAY NETWORK

Coordinators from Pueblo Sin Fronteras say immigration authorities are trying to split up the caravan but so far have been unsuccessful. Migrants who break off from the caravan to travel on their own are being detained, coordinators said. NICK OZA/USA TODAY

In Tapanatepec, Oaxaca, Mexico, Monday, immigration authorities parked buses at the checkpoint to deport migrants back to the border but no one got on. As long as the migrants pass through the checkpoint as a group no one stops them. NICK OZA/USA TODAY

Coordinators from Pueblo Sin Fronteras say immigration authorities are trying to split up the caravan but so far have been unsuccessful. Migrants who break off from the caravan to travel on their own are being detained, coordinators said. NICK OZA/USA TODAY

A woman lifts a baby carriage aboard a truck while she and others hitch a ride, Monday, in Tapanatepec, Oaxaca, Mexico. At least one migrant has died falling off a moving vehicle onto the pavement. NICK OZA/USA TODAY

The migrants from Honduras and other Central American countries took a day off to rest on Oct. 28, 2018 in Tapanatepec, Mexico. Coordinators decided to rest after a migrant from Guatemala was attacked by migrants from El Salvador, who mistook the man for a kidnapper, a sign of rising tensions as the caravan inches forward. NICK OZA, Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Network

Maria Estrada shaves her husband Alex's moustache while they bathe in a river with other migrants while taking a day off to rest on Oct. 28, 2018 in Tapanatepec, Mexico. NICK OZA, Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Network

Guatemalan security forces try to prevent Honduran migrants from reaching the Guatemala-Mexico international border bridge in Ciudad Tecun Uman, Guatemala, on Oct. 28, 2018. A new group of Honduran migrants is trying to reach and cross the Guatemalan border into Mexico in the hope of eventually reaching the United States. SANTIAGO BILLY, AFP/Getty Images

Migrants of the second caravan clash with the Guatemalan Police, in Tecun Uman, Guatemala on Oct. 28, 2018. Thousands of migrants broke the border fence between Guatemala and Mexico and crossed into the Mexican territory. ESTEBAN BIBA, EPA-EFE

As of Oct. 27, Ernesto Martinez, 27, and his wife Yesenia, 23, have been traveling with their three daughters, including a baby who was just 17-days-old when they joined the caravan. Nick Oza, Arizona Republic, via USA TODAY Network

Ernesto Martinez, 27, and his wife Yesenia, 23, are traveling with their three daughters, including a baby who was just 17-days-old when they joined the caravan on Oct. 20. The family is from San Martin, Retalhuleu, Guatemala. They have pushed the baby in a stroller more than 180 miles crossing through the state of Chiapas, before reaching the state of Oaxaca on Oct. 27, 2018. Nick Oza, Arizona Republic, via USA TODAY Network

Bathing in the river offers a little relief from a day of walking in the oppressive heat for some of the thousands of migrants in the caravan on Oct. 27, 2018. Nick Oza, Arizona Republic, via USA TODAY Network

Bathing in the river offers a little relief from a day of walking in the oppressive heat for some of the thousands of migrants in the caravan on Oct. 27, 2018. Nick Oza, Arizona Republic, via USA TODAY Network

Thousands of migrants from Honduras and other Central American countries traveling in a caravan reached the state of Oaxaca on Oct. 27, 2018, after crossing through the entire state of Chiapas on their way to the U.S. border. Nick Oza, Arizona Republic, via USA TODAY Network

Members of a US-bound migrant caravan cross a bridge between the Mexican states of Chiapas and Oaxaca after federal police briefly blocked them outside the town of Arriaga on Oct. 27, 2018. RODRIGO ABD, AP

A wall of police in riot gear blocks the highway to stop a caravan of thousands of Central American migrants from advancing, outside Arriaga, Chiapas state, Mexico on Oct. 27, 2018. Eventually police let them pass, with the agreement that the dialogue with authorities would continue at their next stop. REBECCA BLACKWELL, AP

Members of a U.S.-bound migrant caravan stand on a road after federal police briefly blocked their way outside the town of Arriaga on Oct. 27, 2018. Hundreds of Mexican federal officers carrying plastic shields blocked the caravan from advancing toward the U.S. after several thousand of the migrants turned down the chance to apply for refugee status and obtain a Mexican offer of benefits. RODRIGO ABD, AP

Central American migrants wait on a path away from the the roadside after Mexican police in riot gear briefly blocked the highway to keep them from advancing, outside Arriaga, Chiapas state, Mexico on Oct. 27, 2018. REBECCA BLACKWELL, AP

Honduran migrants taking part in a caravan heading to the U.S. wait on the road as they leave Arriaga on their way to San Pedro Tapanatepec, southern Mexico on Oct. 27, 2018. GUILLERMO ARIAS, AFP/Getty Images

Angelica Esmeralda Sanchez,18, left, and her friend Ericka Martinez 28, both from El Salvador are with a new wave of several hundred migrants gathered near a park in Tecum Uman, Guatemala on Oct. 25, 2018. They are waiting to cross into Mexico and to head north to the United States. NICK OZA, Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Network

Gerson de Jesus Zelaya, 6, from Honduras, eats a donated lunch near a park in Tecum Uman, Guatemala as he waits to cross from Guatemala to Mexico and to head north to the United States on Oct 25, 2018. NICK OZA, Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Network

Central American migrants heading in a caravan to the U.S., walk near Mapastepec, southern Mexico, Oct. 25, 2018. Thousands of Central American migrants crossing Mexico toward the United States in a caravan have resumed their long trek, walking about 12 hours to their next destination. PEDRO PARDO, AFP/Getty Images

Central American migrants take part in a caravan toward the U.S., traveling on foot or atop vehicles in Mapastepec on their way to Pijijiapan Chiapas state, Mexico, Oct. 25, 2018. JOHAN ORDONEZ, AFP/Getty Images

Central American migrants traveling with a caravan to the U.S. crowd onto a tractor as they make their way to Mapastepec, Mexico, Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018. Thousands of Central American migrants renewed their hoped-for march to the United States on Wednesday, setting out before dawn with plans to travel another 45 miles of the more than 1,000 miles that still lie before them. Rodrigo Abd, AP

A Central American migrant taking part in a caravan heading to the U.S., holds up a sign reading "Thank you Mexico for opening your hearts to us," while he waits to cross the border from Ciudad Tecun Uman in Guatemala, to Ciudad Hidalgo, Mexico, Oct. 22, 2018. ORLANDO SIERRA, AFP/Getty Images

Central American migrant Cristian pushes a carriage occupied by his daughters; Karen, 5, left, and Beiyi, 4, as they make their way to Mapastepec, Mexico, Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in a caravan headed to the U.S. Rodrigo Abd, AP

Honduras' Human Rights National Commissioner Roberto Herrera is pictured after being briefed on the situation regarding the recent passage of a massive caravan of Honduran migrants, at the Guatemala-Mexico border bridge, in Ciudad Tecun Uman, Guatemala, on Oct. 23, 2018. Late Monday, Mexico allowed another group of about 400 migrants to enter the country after they spent days packed onto a bridge over the Suchiate River, which forms Mexico's southern border with Guatemala. ORLANDO SIERRA/AFP/Getty Images

Aerial view of the Guatemala-Mexico international bridge in Ciudad Hidalgo, Chiapas state, Mexico, on Tuesday. The bridge remains empty a day after a caravan of Honduran migrants heading to the U.S. crossed it. The United Nations said more than 7,000 people were now heading toward the U.S., as more migrants joined the original group, including some Central Americans who were already in Mexico. PEDRO PARDO/AFP/Getty Images

A Honduran migrant is assisted after having a convulsion during a stop in Huixtla, Chiapas state, Mexico, on Tuesday. Thousands of mainly Honduran migrants heading to the United States -- a caravan President Donald Trump has called an "assault on our country" -- stopped to rest Tuesday after walking for two days into Mexican territory. JOHAN ORDONEZ/AFP/Getty Images

Marvin Sanabria, a Central American migrant traveling with a caravan to the U.S., kneels in prayer after waking up, in Huixtla, Mexico, Tuesday. The caravan, estimated to include more than 7,000 people, had advanced but still faced more than 1,000 miles, and likely much further, to the end of the journey. Moises Castillo/AP

Honduran migrants who were heading to the U.S., get on a bus to return to their country, after abandoning the caravan in Ciudad Tecun Uman, Guatemala, border with Mexico. - At least 25 Hondurans taking part in the migrant caravan, returned back to their country after reaching the Guatemalan border with Mexico. ORLANDO SIERRA/AFP/Getty Images

Honduran migrants taking part in a caravan heading to the U.S., take a bath in the Huixtla river, in Huixtla, Chiapas state, Mexico. Forced by the violence and poverty of their country, desperate parents have exposed hundreds of babies and children to travel in a migrant caravan crossing Mexico to the United States, showing the cruelest face of this "exodus". PEDRO PARDO/AFP/Getty Images

Migrants select clothing placed along the road by Mexican citizens during their journey to the United States, in Huixtla, Mexico. Hundreds of Mexicans distribute, altruistically from vehicles or on foot, food, water, medicine or clothing. 'The heart hurts when you see the children and there we feel the humanity of them, and how the Government does nothing', says Reina Lucia Ochoa, an inhabitant of the southeastern state of Chiapas. JOSE MENDEZ/EPA-EFE

Clothes dry in the sun by the bank of the Huixtla river, in Huixtla, Chiapas state, Mexico. Thousands of mainly Honduran migrants head to the United States -- a caravan President Donald Trump has called an "assault on our country." PEDRO PARDO/AFP/Getty Images

A Honduran migrant couple and their five kids taking part in a caravan heading to the US, wait to cross the border from Ciudad Tecun Uman in Guatemala, to Ciudad Hidalgo, Mexico, on Oct. 22, 2018. President Donald Trump on Monday called the migrant caravan heading toward the US-Mexico border a national emergency, saying he has alerted the US border patrol and military. ORLANDO SIERRA/AFP/Getty Images

An aerial view of Honduran migrants heading in a caravan to the US, Sunday, on the road linking Ciudad Hidalgo and Tapachula, Chiapas state, Mexico. President Trump called the caravan's approach a national emergency and said he has alerted the US border patrol and military, setting the stage for a confrontation when the swelling mass of migrants reach the border."We will now begin cutting off, or substantially reducing, the massive foreign aid" that the United States provides to Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, he said. PEDRO PARDO/AFP/Getty Images

Migrant activist Irineo Mujica, center, holds a megaphone as a Central American migrant speak to reporters during a press conference in Tapachula, Mexico, Monday, Oct. 22, 2018. "It is a shame that a president so powerful uses this caravan for political ends," said Mujica of the group Pueblo Sin Fronteras or People Without Borders, which works to provide humanitarian aid to migrants. Moises Castillo/AP

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto takes a selfie with the next negotiator of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Jesus Seade Kuri (R) during the 17th Mexico Business Summit 'Facing the strategic challenges of Mexico and the Region', at the Guadalajara Expo, in Jalisco, Mexico, Monday. Pena Nieto warned that the Central American migrants of the caravan heading to the United States who do not respect the law will be unable to reach the country or remain in Mexico. Francisco Guasco/EPA-EFE

Clothes belonging to a Honduran migrant hangs to dry on the fence of a border bridge that stretches over the Suchiate River, connecting Guatemala and Mexico, in Tecun Uman, Guatemala, Monday. Hundreds of migrants, who are part of a caravan bound for the U.S.-Mexico border are waiting on the border bridge to be attended by Mexican immigration authorities. Oliver de Ros/AP

A Central American migrant, who fell from the back of a moving vehicle and died, lies on a highway covered by a sheet outside of Tapachula, Mexico, Monday. Motorists in pickups and other vehicles have been offering the Central American migrants rides, often in overloaded truck beds, as the group of about 7,000 people heads to the U.S. border. Moises Castillo/AP

epa07111632 Honduran migrants remain on the bridge that divides Mexico from Tecun Uman, Guatemala, 22 October 2018. Thousands of Honduran migrants that are part of the caravan that seeks to cross Mexico to reach the United States are preparing for a new journey through the southeastern state of Chiapas. EPA-EFE/Esteban Biba ORG XMIT: MEX0011 Esteban Biba/EPA-EFE

A migrant heading in a caravan to the US, holds Mexican, US and Honduran national flags on the road linking Ciudad Hidalgo and Tapachula, Chiapas state, Mexico, on Oct. 21, 2018. PEDRO PARDO, AFP/Getty Images

Honduran migrants take part in a caravan heading to the US on the road linking Ciudad Hidalgo and Tapachula, Chiapas state, Mexico, Oct. 21, 2018.Thousands of Honduran migrants resumed their march toward the United States on Sunday from the southern Mexican city of Ciudad Hidalgo, according to news reports. PEDRO PARDO, AFP/Getty Images

A Honduran migrant boy taking part in a caravan heading to the U.S., cries as he waits on the Guatemala-Mexico border bridge, in Ciudad Tecun Uman, Guatemala, Oct. 20, 2018. JOHAN ORDONEZ, AFP/Getty Images

Honduran migrants taking part in a caravan heading to the US, sleep in the main square of Ciudad Tecun Uman, Guatemala, in the border with Mexico, on Oct. 20, 2018. Thousands of migrants who forced their way through Guatemala's northwestern border and flooded onto a bridge leading to Mexico, where riot police battled them back, on Saturday waited at the border in the hope of continuing their journey to the United States. Orlando Sierra, AFP/Getty Images

Honduran migrants, who were taking part in a caravan heading to the US, board a bus to return to Honduras, in Ciudad Tecun Uman, Guatemala, on Oct. 20, 2018. Some 220 Honduran migrants were returning to their country and some 130 were waiting at a shelter Saturday, according to a police source, while thousands who forced their way through Guatemala's northwestern border and flooded onto a bridge leading to Mexico, were waiting at the border in the hope of continuing their journey. Johan Ordonez, AFP/Getty Images

A Honduran migrant heading in a caravan to the US, prepares to jump to the Suchiate River from the Guatemala-Mexico international border bridge, near Mexican Federal Police officers, in Ciudad Hidalgo, Chiapas state, Mexico, on Oct. 20, 2018. Pedro Pardo, AFP/Getty Images

A Mexican Federal Police officer stands guard on the bank of the Suchiate River in Ciudad Hidalgo, Chiapas state, Mexico, while a caravan of Honduran migrants heading to the US tries to get to Mexican territory from Guatemala, on Oct. 20, 2018. Pedro Pardo, AFP/Getty Images

Honduran migrants heading in a caravan to the US, help others get down to the Suchiate River from the Guatemala-Mexico international border bridge, in Ciudad Hidalgo, Chiapas state, Mexico, on Oct. 20, 2018. Pedro Pardo, AFP/Getty Images

A group of Honduran migrants arrives to the Mexican side of the border after crossing the Suchiate River aboard a raft made out of tractor inner tubes and wooden planks, on the the border with Guatemala, in Ciudad Hidalgo, Mexico, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The entry into Mexico via the bridge that connects the two countries has been closed. The main group of migrants have moved about 30 feet back from the gate that separates them from Mexican police to establish a buffer zone. About 1,000 migrants now remain on the bridge between Guatemala and Mexico. Moises Castillo, AP

Honduran migrants await access on the bridge that crosses the Suchiate River after crossing the fence on the border with Guatemala to enter Mexico, in Ciudad Hidalgo, Mexico on Oct. 19, 2018. Maria De La Luz Ascencio, EPA-EFE

An Honduran migrant heading in a caravan to the US, is cooled down by police officers after struggling to cross one of the gates of the Guatemala-Mexico international border bridge in Ciudad Hidalgo, Chiapas state, Mexico, on Oct. 19, 2018. Pedro Pardo, AFP/Getty Images

Thousands of Honduran migrants wait for access on the bridge that crosses the Suchiate River after crossing the fence on the border with Guatemala to enter in Ciudad Hidalgo, Mexico on Oct. 19, 2018. Rodrigo Pardo, EPA-EFE

A Honduran migrant mother and child cower in fear as they are surrounded by Mexican Federal Police in riot gear, at the border crossing in Ciudad Hidalgo, Mexico, Friday, Oct. 19, 2018. Central Americans traveling in a mass caravan broke through a Guatemalan border fence and streamed by the thousands toward Mexican territory, defying Mexican authorities' entreaties for an orderly migration and U.S. President Donald Trump's threats of retaliation. Moises Castillo, AP

A Honduran migrant girl kneels in front of a police checkpoint at the Agua Caliente border crossing in Ocotepeque, Honduras on Oct. 19, 2018. Honduran authorities intensified immigration control measures at the Agua Caliente point, bordering Guatemala, to prevent hundreds of Hondurans seeking to reach the USA from crossing into the neighboring country. Gustavo Amador, EPA-EFE

Honduran migrants climb a border fence, in Tecun Uman, Guatemala, Friday, Oct. 19, 2018. Migrants broke down the gates at the border crossing and began streaming toward a bridge into Mexico. After arriving at the tall, yellow metal fence some clambered atop it and on U.S.-donated military jeeps. Young men began violently tugging on the barrier and finally succeeded in tearing it down. Oliver de Ros, AP

Honduran migrants attempt to cross the border Goascoran River to enter illegally to El Salvador, in Goascoran, Honduras on Oct. 18, 2018. President Donald Trump threatened to send the military to close its southern border if Mexico fails to stem the "onslaught" of migrants from Central America, in a series of tweets that blamed Democrats ahead of the midterm elections. MARVIN RECINOS, AFP/Getty Images

Rafters help Honduran migrants cross the Suchiate River that divides Guatemala and Mexico in Escuintla, Guatemala, Oct. 19, 2018. From where they will continue their journey to USA. ESTEBAN BIBA, EPA-EFE

Rafters help Honduran migrants cross the Suchiate River that divides Guatemala and Mexico in Escuintla, Guatemala, Oct. 19, 2018. From where they will continue their journey to USA. ESTEBAN BIBA, EPA-EFE

A woman, part of the group of Honduran migrants on the border of Honduras with El Salvador crosses the Goascoran River despite the increased flow caused by intense rains in the last hours, in El Amatillo, eastern Honduras, Oct. 18, 2018. Rodrigo Sura, EPA-EFE

A caravan of more than 1,500 Honduran migrants moves north after crossing the border from Honduras into Guatemala on Oct. 15, 2018 in Esquipulas, Guatemala. The caravan, the second of 2018, began Friday in San Pedro Sula, Honduras with plans to march north through Guatemala and Mexico en route to the United States. Honduras has some of the highest crime and poverty rates in Latin America. Moises Castillo, AP

A caravan of more than 1,500 Honduran migrants moves north after crossing the border from Honduras into Guatemala on Oct. 15, 2018 in Esquipulas, Guatemala. The caravan, the second of 2018, began Friday in San Pedro Sula, Honduras with plans to march north through Guatemala and Mexico en route to the United States. Honduras has some of the highest crime and poverty rates in Latin America. John Moore, Getty Images

Hondurans march in a caravan of migrants moving toward the country's border with Guatemala in a desperate attempt to flee poverty and seek new lives in the United States, in Ocotepeque, Honduras. Moises Castillo, AP

A Honduran migrant holds up a replica of the Black Christ of Esquipulas as Guatemalan police temporarily block the road after the caravan crossed the Honduras-Guatemala border without incident, in Esquipulas, Guatemala. Moises Castillo, AP

Honduran migrants holds up their national ID cards as Guatemalan police block them and their caravan after the group crossed the Honduras-Guatemala border without incident, in Esquipulas, Guatemala. Moises Castillo, AP

Honduran migrants walk past a roadblock of Guatemalan police as they make their way to the U.S., in Esquipulas, Guatemala. Police stopped the migrants for several hours but the travelers refused to return to the border and were eventually allowed to pass. Moises Castillo, AP